Cooking Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, usually around 8 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until well combined. Pour half of this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese on top.
• Layer the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
• Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if you like.